The Philips Family

Internal Conflict

2012-02-18T15:23:00.002-07:00

If you are expecting something sarcastic, funny, or about my precious babies, you might want to skip this post. It is on a slightly more serious note.

I hope I don't get in trouble for writing this. For years, I have wanted to live in a warmer climate. I was diagnosed with Fibromayalgia three years ago, and I just feel better when it is warm. It would be nice to feel better more often so when people ask me how I feel, I don't have to fake a smile and say that I am feeling fine, when really all I want to do is find some strong meds and lay down.

Ed seems slightly open to the idea of living somewhere warm. I have to admit that the thought of being able to raise my babies alongside my sister is very appealing. I miss her so much.

So, where does the internal conflict come into play? I love this Valley. I love the people here. I love the school my kids go to. I love the teachers and staff at that school. I love the small town feel. I love watching the seasons change. I love taking my kids to Bear Lake in the summer. We have an amazing yard! I love it....BUT, I love my mom and dad. I love my sister and her family. I love my brothers and their familys. I miss my nieces and nephews so much. I cried half of the way home when I had to leave my sister's house after Ryder was born. I feel like I am missing my nieces and nephews (on my side) grow up. I love that in Ca everything you need is so close. There are so many things to do there.

If any of you think about it, I would love your prayers. I need to find a greater sense of peace. Whether we are to stay or go.

The Vinegar Wall

2012-02-05T14:20:00.002-07:00

When our children lie to us or say something meam, they are told to go stand on the vinegar wall. It doesn't hurt them, but they HATE it!! Mallory has never had to have it, she is just too little, but here she is dishing it out to her naughty babies!

Mallory's Birthday

2011-12-21T09:10:00.003-07:00

Our precious, Mallory came to our family after much praying by big sister, Bree for a little sister. When came home from the hospital, she weighed 4 lbs 12 oz. She was our tiny miracle.

Mallory loves jewels of all sorts. She loves twirly dresses, makeup, and pretty much anything girly. She has been a joy to our family. Our family world has all but revolved around her since she joined our family two years ago. Her favorite songs are:Rudolph the RedNose Reindeer, and The Wheels on the Bus. I have caught her singing Silent Night. What a sweet sound. She is so much fun, and has a smile that would melt the heart of the Grinch. We love her so much!!!!

Donny's Lego Birthday Party

2011-12-11T08:34:00.002-07:00

Fished what I wanted!!!!

Donny got a littled help blowing out the candles.

The boys had a ton of fun. Seriously though, 10 nine-year-old boys, in one house? NOT a genius idea. I think they all had a good time. And by the sheer grace of God, my house is still in one piece.

David and Christ and Lazarus

2011-10-11T14:48:00.003-06:00

I read the story of Lazarus to my kids the other night. I guess I haven't read it since David (my brother) died. I could barely get through it.

I thought of how Jesus wept with Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha before he brought him back from the dead.

I pictured him cradling me as I learned of my younger brother's untimely passing. How he must have wept with me also.

I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent His son to redeem the dead. To mourn with those who mourn. I am thankful to my Savior who made it possible to get through such a black period of time.

And how wonderful a blessing my baby, David was. He came at a time when our family needed fresh hope.

I feel as though I need to close this in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love to see the temple

2011-08-09T21:57:00.002-06:00

David's rendition of I Love To See The Temple

I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday.

To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God a place of damnin beauty.

I'll repair myself while I am young, this is my secret duty.

For those of you who don't know this song. It really goes like this:

I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday.

To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to ptay.

For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young, this is my sacred duty.

Happy Birthday, Bree!

2011-06-15T22:57:00.003-06:00

With so many blessings in this life, being the mom of Bree has been one of my favorites. She is such an amazing and talented little girl. She joined our family on June 16, 2004. We knew she came to the right parents because she came out screaming like a pterodactyl! She is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. We love you so much, Bree!

Rocks for Sale

2011-05-27T08:57:00.003-06:00

Bree, my little entrepreneur, decided she wanted money to add to the "Legoland jar", (and I told her she had to get her rock collection out of my kitchen). She set out to sell her prized possessions. She advertised with a sign which read; Rocks 50 cents. She then stood outside for 30 minutes holding her sign. No takers. She came back in the house, turned her sign over, and wrote,"Beautiful Rocks 50 cents". 30 more minutes, still no customers.

We went for a walk and she brought her rocks and sign with her. We only saw one person. When we got home, she walked up to Daddy, defeated, and with tears in her eyes told him her woes. "Nobody bought my rocks, Daddy." Well, wouldn't you know it, Daddy bought one of those 50 cent rocks, pilfered from his own yard. He really is the best Daddy ever.

Lullabies

2011-04-30T20:39:00.003-06:00

Every night the kids sing to Miss Mals right before bed. David is always pretty creative, but tonight I found super funny.

David:♪♫Lullaby and good night go to sleep my sweet baby. Legoland, Legoland, Legoland, I want to go on a (not a typo) sumbarine. Sumbarine, sumbarine when you wake me up crying I can't sleep I don't like it. Pirate, pirate, pirate. Captain Hook went to bed and bumped his head and couldn't get up in the morning.♪♫

Bree decided to tell Mals a story tonight instead of sing a song.

Bree:Once upon a time, the end.

Then Donny sang Angels We Have Heard on High.

Ahhhhh, I love my life!!!

;

Macey's

2011-04-21T16:56:00.003-06:00

Dear Mr. Macey,

Today I thought it would be a good idea to bring my four children to your store to pick up something last minute for dinner. I literally needed two items.

They thought it would be okay to run, jump and generally act as though they had ants in their pants. I saw a friend and stayed to talk for just a few minutes. This gave them the "permission" and opportunity to act as a clog down the juice aisle.

I would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused your other customers. I would say that it would never happen again, but you know that would be a lie.

Sincerely,
Mother of the Calm Challenged

First Birthdays

2011-04-03T12:57:00.000-06:00

Donny, Bree, David, and Mallory on their first birthdays.

Happy Birthday David!

2011-03-18T12:38:00.000-06:00

No, he did not eat a smurf!

2011-03-18T12:08:00.002-06:00

Four years ago this minute, I was being prepped for surgery to bring David Christopher Philips into this world. He has been an absolute joy to our family. He says the funniest things. The way he smiles with his giant dimples is adorable, and everything is,"Of course, I get it!" I thank the Lord for sending me this little man. I love you so much, David! Happy Birthday!

David's Birthday Party

2011-03-16T13:14:00.002-06:00

David had a great birthday party. He had 11 friends, including siblings. We had a treasure hunt and "x" marked the spot for his treasure chest pinata. Fter all his friends went went home, he asked if he could have another party.

Donny Draws a Monster

2011-02-25T20:16:00.004-07:00

Donny draws all kinds of monsters. He creates habitats for them, names them, even cooks up a menu for them. Most of them are carnivores. When he colored this monster, naturally I was curious. "Donny" I said, "please tell me about what you have made.". Donny looked at me very matter of factly and replied, "That is you when you get angry.". I shouldn't have asked.

2011-02-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

2:33pm

2:34pm What can I say? My kids are speedsters!

Thank You Cards

2011-01-20T12:39:00.003-07:00

I am a grateful person. I do appreciate when nice things are done for me. I do however, have a "beef" with thank you cards (TYC).

Generally, kind acts of service are extended to help one out when one needs help. If one needs help, why do we put that person under all the added stress to give us TYC? It makes me crazy.

I owe about 65 TYC from when I was pregnant with Mallory. Most of them I wrote last February. They are all in a pile in a closet. Somewhere. If you are one of these people that feel as though you got the shaft and are without your TYC, please call me and I will dig through the pile and send yours to you.

PLEASE NEVER SEND ME A TYC!!!!! I don't want one. I feel obligated to keep them, especially if you are a scrapbooker and took more time to make the card than it took me to make the money to buy your gift. Or more time than it took me to do whatever it was that made you feel compelled to give me a TYC.

Just say, "thank you". That is nice. It is good enough for me.

What do you guys think?

Pinewood Derby

2011-01-15T16:41:00.005-07:00

Mallory peed on me in the beginning of the derby. It was before the kids started racing their cars, and we made it back just in time after going home to change.

Yay! Donny took first in his division. When we were talking about it later, he said,"I don't care if I didn't win the whole thing and get a trophy. I had so much fun!" I love that gets to be in scouts.

He doesn't look excited to be at the Pinewood Derby, does he?

Cheering for his friends car.

David LOVED the derby.

Donny's car is ahead a bit.

A "wolf" hug.

Donny's pizza car. The theme was food.

It just isn't a scout event unless you can see up everybody's nose.

2011-01-15T16:32:00.002-07:00

Mallory will only keep a headband on for pictures.

Miss Mals and Donny playing the piano. This is how he keeps her occupied when I need to get stuff done.

Why yes, those are David's clothes way up there in the window. I am not quite sure how he got them up there.

My girls

As a matter of fact those are piggies in her hair!

I found Donny and Kurt sleeping like this.

Grandma and David

Donny

2011-01-03T09:21:00.002-07:00

Donny in Sacrament meeting yesterday:

I'd like to bear my testimony.
I know this church is true.
I made the choice to be baptized,
and so should you.

He told me he just made it up as he was talking. It was pretty cute.

Donny's Baptism

2011-01-01T19:44:00.004-07:00

At about 10 minutes til 12:00, We hear from the microphone(which was behind us) "Welcome to Donny's baptized." David wanted to give a talk so badly. Donny was so excited, and did such a good job listening to everybody speak.

Joe and Melanie

Papper, Bree and Donny

Grandma and Mallory

Daddy and Donny

Donny said, "Mom, I look like an Angel, I just don't have wings."

The kids checking out the baptismal font

Round and Round Bree at 19 months

2011-01-01T00:18:00.002-07:00

Donny is Eight

2010-12-23T20:59:00.005-07:00

Donald (Donny) Edwin joined our family on Dec 24, 2002 at 8:04 in the morning. He has brought to our family creativity, love, and an intense and unmatched love for all things shark. By the time he was three, he could identify over 30 species of sharks by sight. He is an amazing big brother "Big Big", and loves his younger siblings. I cannot imagine my life without him, and thank the Lord often for the joy in raising such a choice spirit. Donny, I love you so much. Thank you for choosing me to be your mom!

First bday.

Naughty, naughty.

Second bday

Third bday

Fourth bday

Fifth bday

At almost 6.

Seventh bday

Eighth bday

We love you so much Donny. Happy Birthday!

The Mall Santa

2010-12-23T15:58:00.002-07:00

I thought I had gotten away with no trips to see Santa this year until Bree asked about it a couple days ago. I then went to the Mall's website to see when I could take the kids for the ever pleasant hour long wait to see a semisweet old guy, who will tell my kids that they can have the $250 lego set if they were good this year. Dec 23 from 12-3 &4-9 were the times we had to choose from, because you know there is no way that I am taking them out on Christmas Eve. I decided the earlier, the better. So I set out with five kids in tow (I had McKenna today) to see Santa.

Clearly, Mallory loves Santa. Poor guy, I am just glad she didn't hit him hard enough to make his heart stop. Can you imagine how that would ruin Christmas for all the kids in line behind us?

David was so starstruck, he could hardly speak to Mr. Claus. Oh, if I could have only stayed for a couple more hours to give my tired holiday ears a break.

Bree asked for something that she is NOT going to get. Bummer for her. I'm sure she'll be okay though.

Donny, oh Donny. When we were close enough in line to see the Big Guy, I pointed out to all the kids that they would be able to see him. Donny looked at me and said,"That is not the real Santa." I felt a wave of panic come over me. "Is the magic taking a nose dive for my baby this year?" I thought. I said, "How do you know?" To which he replied,"I'm old enough to know how it works, Mom." "Exactly how does it work, Donny?" "He is Santa's helper. The real Santa is at the North Pole working." Wow, I just dodged a bullet. I might be lucky if I have one more year of magic with Donny.

When we got to the mall, there were only 10 minutes worth of people in line in front of us, Santa was super nice, and he didn't promise my kids any toys they asked for. I must have been really good this year.

Gingerbread House

2010-12-21T12:18:00.001-07:00

Sometimes...less is more.

2010-12-20T14:56:00.001-07:00

I don't know how the pic of her with Grandma and Papper didn't make it in, I could have sworn I clicked on it. Anyway, I wanted to make sure it made it in.

Miss Mals is 1

2010-12-19T21:58:00.007-07:00

On December 18, 2009 Mallory Jade joined our family, weighing in at 5lbs 9 oz and exactly 5 weeks early. Our tiny bundle has brought our family immeasurable joy. She is now almost 20 lbs, can walk about 7 steps at a time, and LOVES the lid drawer in the kitchen. Here are some pictures of our first year with her.

Milk, it does a body good

2010-12-09T15:15:00.002-07:00

I thought I would post this story for those of you who missed it three years ago.

Has anybody ever wondered how far a gallon of milk would go if propelled in the house by a five year old? Well, neither had I, but today I found out. First, the breaking point is on the side around the circle indent. This is where the flood started. The actual jug did not go far, but oh how the milk did. One inch of milk ALL OVER th ekitchen floor! And for the record, a 31 year old medium build woman WILL slip and fall flat on her butt, sending a geyser of milk (from the jug which she had secured about 5 seconds earlier, saving about 1/3 of the milk) about five feet in the air.

(Yes, I was covered in milk. Who knew milk worked just like hairspray when poured into human hair? Good information to have if you ever run out of hairspray.)

This will make the baby scream, sending a friend running to see what terrible tragedy had just occured. Which in return, will send the friend home to fetch her mop (which was one of the things I had gone to the store to buy and had forgotten of course). The friend will come back a mop the freshly milk bathed floor, and throw in the diningroom just because she loves you so much.

1 1/2 cups of milk remained in the half broken jug.

The moral of this story: Don't let your five year old play ring around the rosies with 2 gallons of milk while carrying them in from the garage. Unless, that is, you don't want to mop your own floor.

The Long Ride Home

2010-11-27T22:36:00.002-07:00

On our way home from Salmon, we hit quite a bit of ice. Pretty crappy road conditions, if you ask me. Ed on the other hand thinks if you can see beyond your car the conditions are good. We debated this a bit, then I gave up.

It took about 45 minutes extra to get to our first usual stop, Idaho Falls. I had decided that since the kids had been reasonably well behaved in the car, I would get them a Happy Meal. Inside the girls Happy Meal was a watch. The rest of the 3 1/2 hour trip went as follows:

Bree-Mom, it's 1:55. (it was 36 minutes fast)

Me-Thanks Bree.

Bree-Now it's 1:56.

Me-Thanks Bree.

Bree-1:57.

Me-Thanks Bree.

Bree-1:58

Me-Thanks Bree.

Bree-1:59

Me-Thanks Bree.

Bree-Mom, you don't have to say thanks every time.

Fast forward 56 miles, 1 hour and 39 minutes, and about 67 (I am NOT kidding!) updates.

Bree-It's 3:38

Me-(nothing)

Bree-It's 3:38

Me-(nothing still)

Bree-Mo'om, it's 3:38.

Me-Thanks Bree.

Bree-You're welcome, Mama.

Apparently I do need to say thank you every time.

Priorities

2010-11-27T10:39:00.002-07:00

I knew we would see lots of family on our trip to Salmon this week. I wrote myself a large note on my bathroom mirror so I would not forget my camera. I wanted to get pictures of cousins we rarely see and of the beautiful landscape. I failed to bring out my camera for everything but a sign on the bathroom door where we stayed. You see, I am about as crafty as a no handed bear on crack. I want something like this on the kids' bathroom door and knew the only way I would be able to remember it would be to take a picture of it. This was more important than any other picture on this trip apparently.

Pat

2010-11-27T09:28:00.004-07:00

On November 18, my mother-in-law, Patricia Rae Somers Philips went home to our loving Heavenly Father. She LOVED babies. When we had a baby, she was always so anxious to hold him/her. Here are some pics. We will always love and remember her.

I am not quite sure why there weren't any pictures taken of Grandma on this trip, but this is at her house.

Foot Club

2010-11-12T12:19:00.003-07:00

Today I told David that we needed to go to Sam's Club to buy some food for Mallory. After a while he asked if we were ready to go to The Foot Club.

I told him it is called Sam's Club. He got irritated with me. He pointed to my friend Aubrey's house (three doors down, who has a little girl, Samantha that we call Sam) and said, "there's Sam's footsteps".

I cannot convince this poor child that we are not going to buy food at Sam's house. I hope you all have a good day. I am off to the Foot Club.

Halloween

2010-11-06T15:43:00.004-06:00

This is David "asleep".

Mallory LOVES pizza. Don't judge me.

Pumpkin carving for family home evening the Monday before Halloween.

I took the big kids to a Halloween party.

David refused to come down and be in the picture. 75% isn't bad, right?

Frome left to right: Mommy, David, Donny, Bree

2010-11-06T15:33:00.002-06:00

David had me cut the tags out of all his pajamas.

Donny at the recital. He played perfectly.

Bree at her recital. She also played perfectly.

Donny tried to smuggle his new soccer ball that he got at the Real Salt Lake game to church. Seriously, did he think I was not going to notice a pregnant seven year old boy? When I mentioned he looked pregnant he had no idea what I was talking about. He thought he had concealed his new treasure.

This is Bree waiting for us to go to church. The same day as the soccer ball smuggling incident.

One Naughty Baby

2010-10-08T14:00:00.002-06:00

Mallory was playing quite contentedly in the toy closet so I decided to check my email. About 5 minutes later, she crawled up to me smelling like glue. I looked down and sure enough, glue was dripping down her face. She had glue in her mouth and on her clothes. I am pretty sure her saliva has turned into some sort of adhesive. The labeled read non-toxic, but I called poison control just to be safe. I didn't want her throat sealing itself shut(yes, I'm kidding). I hope they don't keep storage of how many times one household calls.

Isn't this the face of a super naughty baby?

My Precious People

2010-09-29T13:54:00.000-06:00

A glance, a smile, a date, a kiss.
A wedding, a house, feeling such bliss.
A thought, a prayer, what else could there be?
One baby, or two?Possibly three.
In this house, there would be more.
Our little Mallory made number four.
Our house is bursting with so much love,
Now we say thank you to the good Lord above.

First Day of School

2010-08-27T08:56:00.001-06:00

The kids were so excited for their first day of school. They love their teachers. Bree came home and said that first grade is even better than kindergarten.

American Graffiti

2010-08-19T21:36:00.000-06:00

Tonight was the open house for the new school which my children will be attending. It is a beautiful school. Everything I had hoped for for my children. Pristine. Clean. Unmolested. Until that is, my child got a hold of it. There was a pile of markers sitting on the ground which Donny decided was for "decorating" the outside of the school. I looked appropriately disgusted and stormed my children off. Donny and I dropped off the rest of the family then we headed to Macey's for supplies, which he had to buy. We scrubbed for a good 30 minutes, but made little progress. I took him home, got a new arsenal of scrubbies and went back, alone. After another half an hour of scrubbing and EVERYBODY that passed by had to make some stupid comment to me, I went to find the principal to confess our sins. I feel sufficiently humilated. He asked for me to show him, after which he laughed. Then said they have industrial strength graffiti cleaner that will take it off in two seconds. He said I will laugh about it in 10 years. The head custodian said it was a nice break from the swear words he had to clean off of the high school. It's a good thing he didn't have to clean out my mind because there were quite a few choice words going through my mind tonight.

I do have to say, it is nice to report a story that is not about David.

David....Again.

2010-08-15T20:05:00.000-06:00

March 18, 2007 was a cold Sunday morning. My due date was April 20th. Sitting in church, the contractions would not stop coming, so Ed and I found somebody to watch Donny and Bree, then we stopped so Ed could change his clothes and we were at the hospital by 11:30am. At 1:37 David was born. A nurse put him on my chest and I knew something wasn't right. I said to the nurse,"What is wrong with my baby?". She said there was nothing wrong with him. I told her to come get him because something was wrong with his breathing. Moments later, he was rushed to the NICU. I would not hold my baby again for more than 24 agonizing hours. David's doctor said he was not improving and would need to be put on a ventilator. I sat and cried. My mom and dad were there the next day and Ed and my dad gave David a priesthood blessing. The nurse said David started to improve immediately. After three days in the hospital, I was discharged. David stayed in the NICU on oxygen and a feeding tube. I would spend the next 6 days going back and forth from home to the hospital. On the 9th day, we brought home our tiny man, weighing in at 5lbs 8oz. He would remain on oxygen for 19 days. Little did I know his lungs would become the strongest things on his body.

Today, 3 years, 4 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days later(approx), he threw the mother of all tantrums. It all started when it was time to get ready for church. He didn't like the outfit I picked out so we went upstairs to find a new one. I gave in and let him wear the jeans. He refused the tie, and I didn't want to have a major meltdown, so I thought a white shirt and nice jeans were good enough. We went downstairs to get his shoes on and that's when things got ugly. He did not want to wear church shoes. He wanted to wear slippers. Not just any slippers, his Scoody Doo slippers. That is where I drew the line, I refused to let him wear slippers to church. He would spend the next 20 minutes throwing a fit about the slippers. He refused to go to church. What could we do, let him scream through church? I stayed with him, Mallory was sleeping, might as well let her have a good nap before church. Five minutes later, he freaked out because he wanted to go to church. We waited til Mallory woke up about 45 minutes later.

By the sheer grace of God, I had to take Mallory out of my class because she was getting fussy, and it was then that I heard a very familiar sound. Cry. Scream. Yes, it was David. He didn't want to color, then when it was time to put the crayons away, he felt cheated that he didn't get to decorate his page. I took him out into the hall and all the doors started to close. He was loud! Ed heard him from primary and came out to help. Thank goodness. I went to get the stroller, and by the time I got around to the other side of the building, David was fine. I decided to take him home. There were only 5 minutes of church left anyway. In hindsight, I probably should have just let him wear the slippers to church.

People keep telling me one of these days I will look back and laugh. Today is not that day.

I love you so much, David. Thanks for keeping it interesting.

2010-08-13T21:07:00.000-06:00

I have often wondered,"Who buys their kid $fifty$ dollar shoes?". I mean come on! They grow out of them in like 3 months, if you are lucky, and who knows how long they will be in style. It is enough to make any mom want to cancel satellite just to avoid the commercials. The children plead to have these shoes. Daddy gives in and orders a gift card to Kohl's with the Discover points. And voila: I present to you Twinkle Toe Skechers in Pixie Dust.Oh, and by the way, they were on sale for $35. What a deal.

The girl behind the shoes.

I need me some Jeffi!

2010-08-04T20:27:00.000-06:00

We were so blessed to stop and stay with Jeffi on the way home from Denver. We are as good as sisters. And I love having a friend who can remind me of the burrito that was hidden in the couch 20 years ago. It wasn't me BTW. She was a great hostess, and makes a mean pesto pizza!

Denver

2010-08-04T14:23:00.000-06:00

After 16 years. Stacie, Me and Hannah.

Just wondering if there is an estimate as to how much CO2 is produced by human breathing?

And what, by the way makes one person more entitled to make it. Just wondering if I breathe 2 less times per minute if that will make up for the fact that I had four kids instead of two?
On our trip to Denver we stayed at the Best Western Hotel. The first morning at breakfast, we attracted quite a bit of attention. The kids weren't acting up. No shouting or arguing, but the fact that ONE person had FOUR kids seemed to stir the room. One lady kept giving me death stares like my having four children had somehow directly affected her breathing. Like she could feel the oxygen being sucked out of the room only to be replaced by poisonous gasses. At one point she actually bumped into me! No apology or anything. Had I offended her? Oh, how I wished she would have just come up to me and said what she was thinking. I would not have bitten my tongue. I would have just told her how enjoyable...ahem...night games were, and maybe she could benefit from them.

Here is how our trip went:

Donny and Sam at the zoo, just chillin'.

Maddy, Bree's new BFF.

Eli, so adorable.

Sam is somewhere in the background. Here are all the kids.

Denver zoo.

Hannah, how is your posture so good?

Bree and Madison.

You have to be really tired to fall asleep with cotton candy in your hand.

Hannah's awesome backyard.

Bree and Maddy.

Davy Doo

Just because you replace the countertop, does not mean you can consider the place "remodeled". Don't stay in the Denver Super8. It is dirty and hot.

Sleepy Donny and Mallory.

Family Life

2010-05-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day

2010-04-22T12:50:00.000-06:00

Bree insisted I take a picture of this.

Easter morning for Daddy....

Easter morning for kids.

Bree was so excited to get her webkinz.

This is a picture tahen while I was laying on the floor.

coloring eggs

Oh, my life is so hard.

Mallory loves bathtime now.

Mallory's Blessing

2010-04-13T19:17:00.000-06:00

Mallory was blessed on March 21st. Here are pics from that day.

No, David!

2010-03-16T15:34:00.001-06:00

Let me start by saying, this all happened in one afternoon in a two hour period of time. Not quite the glamourous life I pictured when I was sixteen, but when you get everything you asked for out of life, you have to laugh at the small disasters. Wednesday, March10th was no exception.

Bree came down the stairs so I could drive to her friend, Austin's house for a playdate. She told me David had painted on her (freshly finished painted walls that morning). When I went upstairs, this is what I discovered.

I cannot even find the temples to tape them back on. I had to order new glasses.
Yes, as a matter of fact that is black paint on white walls.

A picture I had framed that morning.

No, David! Where does such naughtyness come from? No, David! Will I make it to his 5th birthday? No, David! I love my little troublemaker. No, David!

Not for the faint of heart

2010-02-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and said to Ed, "What is that smell?". He said he didn't smell it. I was terrified it was my breath, but even more terrified when I realized what it was.....POOP! David had pooped in his pull-up, came in my room and took it off, then went downstairs to get another one.

My morning prayer went as follows;

Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me to clean up all this poop. I am not sure where I would be without feces to clean up everyday. I remember people from lifestyles of the rich and famous and wonder why they think they have it made. Why, oh why didn't I discover this lifestyle earlier in my youth so the joys of wiping poop up from around the house could have been mine? Thank you for helping someone to discover clorox wipes so I don't have to wash the rags when the dirty deed is over. And thank yoou especially that that smell wasn't my breath. Amen

Here are a few pictures for your viewing enjoyment.

Mallory is growing is fast!

Donny got a reading award at school.
David was a pill during the assembly.

Mallory fell asleep during tummy time. No I did not let her stay on her tummy.

Bree looked so cute, I had to take a picture.

2010-01-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Donny LOVES to play Bionicles online.
Mallory

We start our kids reading the "paper" early in this house.

Bree's new Cinderella nightgown during "vent time".

My friend Lisa gave me this cute outfit for Mallory.

Bree made this model of me out of bendaroos. Notice my mouth, I am eating a pretzel. Should I diet? When your kids start making pics of you eating, perhaps it time to find a new hobby.

David, during naptime, decided to get dressed. Even the socks match! They are navy blue.

Welcome to the Family!

2010-01-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

All of my preciousnesses. Mallory does not appreciate bathtime yet.

Proud daddy.

Donny getting ready to blow out candles.

David calls Mallory princess. It is the name he came up with for her. He loves her so much.

Donny got what he wanted for his bday.

Doesn't my mom look so pretty in this picture?!!!

This years gingerbread house. Thank you so much for thinking of it Dad!

Bree absolutely loves this baby!

Here is the last 4 weeks in a nutshell: We had a baby, Donny had a birthday #7, Gma and Papa mntns came for a great visit and we had christmas.

The Sweetest Thing

2009-12-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

A couple nights ago I went in tho check on the boys, (yes I still check on my kids before I go to bed) and this is what I saw. It is so nice to see them so sweet together. david absolutely adores his big brother. Should I skip the bunkbeds and just buy a double?

When words go wrong

2009-11-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Every night before bed, the kids each read a scripture from the "kid's" Book of Mormon and then Ed or I read the same scripture from the Book of Mormon. Bree who is in kindergarten, is very anxious to read without help. So almost every word is sounded out next to a very patient daddy and a mommy hoping to speed up every word until the end so I can have some peace and quiet. (I know, I am a bad example. Quit your lecturing you judgemental people.)

Tonight, it happened. She sounded out the word "darkness". VERY SLOWLY. All the sounds were perfect, then I told her to "snap it". Which just means put it together. Well, it came out "canoe a$$". I was laughing so hard, I was crying! Even Ed was cracking up. He rarely loses his composure, especially at prayer time. Bree was so good though, she didn't get offended or anything! She just kept reading.

I love being a mom.

Misc

2009-11-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

These are just recent pics. This one of Bree in the green shirt I took today. A pic of Donny's new smile. And Halloween pics. Oh, and our snow day! October28, we woke up to snow. Crazy. It was nice for Halloween, though.

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Monday night before Halloween each year we carve pumpkins for family home evening. Here are our pics. David was less than excited to carve, so he pretty much just ran around the house with this little pumpkin.

For the Unimpressed

2009-11-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have heard way too many of you that were not impressed by my giant belly shot. I stood in front of the kitchen wall this time. Bree took the picture so it is shot upwards. Not the most flattering picture of me. Enjoy!

A Giant Belly

2009-10-24T22:23:00.000-06:00

For those of you who do not have the pleasure of living close enough to me to see way too much, I present to you this picture. The most ginormous 27 week pregnant belly known to exist in a singleton birth. Please hold your applause to the end of the pregnancy when even moms of quads will stare in amzement. Why I wore a black shirt in front of a black wall is anybody's guess.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-16T18:30:00.000-06:00

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Last Thing I Need

2009-10-14T08:37:00.000-06:00

What, may i ask you is the last thing I need? When I put my kids to bed at night for them to get up and crazy for the next hour. Don't I need rest and relaxation? Don't I need some downtime? Don't I need some peace and quiet? WHO WARMS THE SUN?

First Donny stands up in his bed. Then Bree goes to the bathroom, so of course David needs to get up out of his bed to go get in Bree's bed. (who, by the way, told me yesterday she no longer wants a nickname and wishes to be called, Gabrielle) Well, Donny needs to get up to make sure David is back in his bed. Then David sits up in his bed pretending to choke on his sleeper because he does not like sleepers anymore and only wants jams. So I change David into one of Donny's shirts, because at this point I am so tired or lazy, call it what you will, I just cannot go through with the extra step of pants. I still can't get David to chill so Donny goes and sleeps in my bed. Seriously, I need an hour just to come down from what just happened.

So one morning later, the kids are at school. David and Parker are running through the house like it's the last day to run, and I am sure the whole thing will happen again tonight. You know what a woman like me needs? One more baby!

A new girl!!

2009-10-01T22:30:00.000-06:00

I am sure by now most of you know, but just in case, we are having another girl!! Now is the time to weigh in on your favorite names. A couple of Names we are thinking of are; Mallory Jade, Ava Roxanne, Ginger and Brooklyn. Here she is sucking her little fingers.

2009-09-13T21:01:00.000-06:00

This is Bree's first day of Kindergarten. What a beautiful little girl.

She insisted on wearing this outfit even though it was hot and it is still too big. What can I do, at least it matched?

Donny is in first grade now. He loves it! I love his teacher, Mrs. Bickers because she is not an advocate of homework. He reads for 20 min per day and has one page of homework. Thank you, we love you, Mrs. Bickers.

How do they grow up so fast?

Oh What a Day

2009-07-16T11:11:00.000-06:00

Well, after much harrassing from Bree, saying we were having twins for weeks now, we have had our ultrasound. There is most definately one baby in there. Another couple of months to find out the color. The heartrate is 160. You know what that means...it could be a girl, or a boy. My doctor laughed as he told us we had a 50/50 chance.

Yesterday I was starting to lose it because our house was a mess and that makes me feel crazy inside. Donny was so funny, he must have felt the impending doom of my mood, because every time I asked him to do something, he would say,"Oh yes my mother dear, I would sure love to." How could I possibly be upset after that? We got the upstairs clean with a few laughs.

2009-06-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

This is Bree at five. She LOVES animals.

Bree is Five!

2009-06-17T16:32:00.000-06:00

It seems like just yesterday we brought our little angel home. She has brought our family immeasureable amounts of joy. Here is a look of our princess within days of each birthday. Happy Birthday Bree!

No Room!!!

2009-06-09T19:27:00.000-06:00

This is how you know that you have built a house too small for your growing family; you walk into their room and see trashed brought to a whole new level. I heard bumping, jumping and noises of all natures, but nothing could prepare me for what came next. Imagine being 5 and having a room so small that you actually have to put your bed up against the wall. Not "pushed" against the wall, but actually tilted up sideways on the wall. Ed, advised me that in the best interest of everybodys health and eardrums, I should not go upstairs until the cleaning was done.

We have drawers that we organize our toys in. There is one we affectionately call "the girl drawer". All of Bree's smaller girl toys go in this drawer. They had emptied the contents of this drawer and they are now all over her floor.

I write about this to calm my nerves. And to keep me from going upstairs where crazy things will happen if I do.

2009-05-15T09:12:00.001-06:00

Daddy was tired on St pats day.

2009-05-15T09:09:00.000-06:00

David's bday cupcakes

2009-05-15T09:07:00.000-06:00

David and Wren share a birthday. They are anxiously awaiting a piece of this cake that Aunt Melissa (and Wren's mommy) made!

2009-05-15T09:05:00.000-06:00

Donny and Charlie have always been such good friends. There is non stop laughter when they are together.

2009-05-15T09:03:00.000-06:00

Cousins Charlie and Lily with Donny, Bree and David.

2009-05-15T09:01:00.000-06:00

The jazzy rocks! The kids had so much fun with Grandma and Papa mountains, and Papa McEwan (Suzy's father-in-law is part of our family).

2009-05-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Aunt Suzy and Bree.

2009-05-15T08:59:00.000-06:00

Me and Megs.

2009-05-15T08:58:00.000-06:00

David and Megan (Suzy's little girl) at the LA Zoo.

2009-05-15T08:57:00.000-06:00

My big sister and me at the LA Zoo. I miss her so much!! I love you Suzy.

2009-05-15T08:56:00.001-06:00

Bree insisted a picture be taken of her braid.

2009-05-15T08:52:00.000-06:00

This is about as close as you can get to all kids smiling in ther same picture! Oh yeah, we will be adding one more baby due January 22!! You know what that means, December.

2009-04-15T10:17:00.000-06:00

Here is my little precious all ready for the snow.

Update

2009-02-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Since I have been harrassed to update by an anonymous person (you know who you are Christine), I guess it is time. The other day I was cutting Donny's hair with the clippers and he asked why I couldn't just take him in to get it cut. I told him the girl didn't do a very good job and then he said, "Then why do they call it "great clips"?". He is too funny sometimes. Bree has missed a week of school now due to this nasty cold. Her preschool teacher gave me her work today, and I just thought, "wow, look at all that work I have to do". One of my favorite things about David is that he runs to me with open arms and says MAMA, MAMA! It is so adorable.

2009-01-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

We are planning a trip to see gma and papa mountains(Segalla) in March. There has not been a ton going on. Just school and work. Ed is in the most difficult class yet, but only 3 months left! (Of that class.) If two of the classes he needs are offered in the summer, we should be done in Dec!!!!!!

My first attempt to sell on ebay has failed miserably! Not even an offer!! I might try one more time. I still have a day or two left, so we shall see I guess.

The kids are doing well. It is amazing to watch Donny read! Bree is writing here name so well. E's have been really tricky for her. David is starting to speak in 5 word sentences. It amazes me every time I hear him speak.

Friends, Cousins, and Christmas!

2009-01-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Bree loves her cousin Kurt! She said she is going to marry him. I guess I will have to tell her of the illegality of it later. (In any event, her she is and this is what she looks like.) Suzy, that was for you. My adorable little girl is growing up. This is happening way to fast. I keep telling her to slow down, but she lets me know that she gets hungry and has to eat. Apparently eating is making her grow.

The kids sure have enjoyed the popcon Uncl Jon and Aunt Misty got for Donny! Donny and David are eating some in this picture on christmas eve.

It was so much fun to have uncle Joe and Aunt Melanie come for a couple days before christmas this year. The kids had so much fun playing in the snow. they ran through the house and had a blast.

About a week before christmas, Jeffi and Charlotte came for a visit. It was so nice to see them. It is always fantastic to catch up with friends we have had for a while. And talk about the sunrise that was not...

Donny's Birthday

2008-12-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to my attention that I am not following proper blogging etiquette. I am sorry, I will try so hard to keep you up to date under Emily Post's guidelines.

Donny had such a fabulous time at his party! We had a ton of kids and it was LOUD! They made their own pirate flag and treasure map. Then we made snowmen out of marshmallows, chocolate and various candies.

This is the cake during the decorating process. Bree didn't leave my side (or the frostings side) until the cake was complete.

Donny was so happy with his cake. It was a great day for Donny. He got a snowboard from Mom and Dad, and lucky for us all it snowed today. It really dumped on us. He went out to practice as soon as his friends went home. He can stay up all the way down our hill. He even let Bree try, I was surprised she actually tried it, but she did really well.

I am not quite sure what they are reaching for. I just thought this was a cute picture.

A Bit of Christmas Cheer

2008-12-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

This year I was lazy, so we bought a gingerbread kit. I usually make my own, but not this year. The kids had just as much fun and I didn't have a pile of dishes to clean at the end.

This is how David makes gingerbread houses. He simply eats as much "cangy" as possible before anybody else notices.

David was really chatty with Santa. He was really excited to meet him. I had to make him wait his turn. He was telling him all sorts of fun things. We don't know what they are. I am thinking Santa must be pretty special though, because David doesn't like strangers.

Bree told Santa she wants a pink guitar for Christmas. He said he would tell the elves to put her name on it after they made it so they would be sure it made it to her.

Donny told Santa he wanted Kung Fu Panda this year. I'm betting he will get it. Santa gave colring books instead of candy canes. Thank you!!!!!

Visits, and Halloween

2008-12-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Papa mountains came for Thanksgiving, and it was wonderful! we miss them so much and can't wait to see them again!

The kids loved seeing them so much!

This is the skirt that Sis. Manukin made Bree. It is beautiful! Thanks Sis Manukin!!

Here are the kids at Halloween. Donny was Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride, Bree was a kitty, David was Squirt and Parker was a horse.

A bunch of misc

2008-11-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

These pics are pretty old. David was so proud of himself that he could get up on the gate. He just hadn't thought about how to get down. I am so mean. I had to grab the camera before I got him down.

This one is from christmas last year. Bree loved spending time with Papa putting this puzzle together.

Bree was 2 in this pic. She was picking strawberries in our front yard. When we looked at the picture we couldn't help but to notice our little girl was glowing just like an angel.

This is Bree's family party. She wanted a mom & baby Cinderella cake.

Donny was 3 in this pic. I just thought it was cute.

October 26,2008

2008-10-26T22:10:00.000-06:00

This past week has been crazy, but not quite as crazy as this coming week will be. Bree had a field trip that I attended. I go on all the preschool fieldtrips. By the time David goes to preschool, he will know all the trips by heart, having attended twice already. We went on the pumpkin walk. It was so much fun. For those who do not know, I tend a little boy named Parker who has become a part of our family.

I will be driving down to Salt Lake City twice this week for testing due to the accident we were in more than 2 1/2 years ago. They are somewhat uncomfortable tests, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. My friends and neighbors have been so willing to help with watching our children. They are a bleesing in our lives.

About a week ago, David had a tantrum. He stomped one foot as he walked away sulking. There is just something so funny about watching a tiny boy stomp his little foot in protest.

Aunt Melanie sent Bree an outfit that she loved so much she wore for an entire day and night. I did make her take it off so I can wash it. Though I suspect when it is clean she will take it hot out the dryer. That is her favorite way to wear her clothes anyway.

Donny will have three days off this week. He doesn't really like having time off of school. The second day of school I asked him how his day was, and he looked at me and said, "mom, school is wonderful!". What a relief for a mom!

Ed has been working a ton this week, I am sure he is very tired. He also has a project coming due pretty soon in his math class. I keep trying to tell him that it isn't really a math class, but he assures me it is. A project in math? It just doesn't seem right.

I have also included pics of Donny and Bree's first day of school.

2008-10-18T13:57:00.000-06:00

2008-10-18T13:52:00.000-06:00

A Day in The Life

2008-10-18T13:33:00.000-06:00

After much nagging, I have created a blog.Today is Ed's bday, and he has a bit of a sinus infection. We went to the temple this morning and it started our day off right. Donny and Bree are now playing outside and David sleeping.

After five years of having my children to myself, Donny is now in Kindergarten, and Bree is in Preschool. As soon as Donny gets off of the bus, before he even says hello, he says, "can I play with friends?" When did this start? My decent into the realm of being a mom of older kids has started. Do I like it? I am not sure. There are certainly pros and cons. They are good helpers. They take trash out, help with the laundry, can get the wii nintendo set up by themselves. On the other hand, I am having to let go of the little bit of control I once had over these precious little ones. I am no longer the smartest mommy in the world. They are starting to discover that maybe mommy doesn't know it all.

This time of teaching is short. I already look back to what we in our house, affectionately refer to as "the milk incident", with laughter. How many moms have slid across the kitchen floor on milk only to discover that milk acts as super glue with human hair.

I do love my life and am indeed grateful to be able to share it with the rest of you now.

Love, Tennille